KEA Horticulture Recruitment 2026 OUT: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released two notifications on behalf of the Horticulture Department for the posts of Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director. A total of 85 vacancies have been announced across the general notification and the Kalyana Karnataka (Article 371(J)) notification. The application window to apply online is open from 5th August to 30th August 2026.
Candidates are advised to visit the official website cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ to apply for the post. The selection process includes a competitive written examination (CBT/OMR) followed by a Kannada language qualifying test and document verification. Read the article below to know more about the Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026.
KEA Horticulture Recruitment 2026: Overview
The Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026 notifications have been released on the official website of KEA. Candidates can check the details of the recruitment in the table given below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), Bengaluru |
| Department | Horticulture Department, Government of Karnataka |
| Post Names | Assistant Horticulture Officer, Assistant Horticulture Director |
| Total Vacancies | 85 (80 General + 5 Kalyana Karnataka) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Starts | 5 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | 31 August 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Examination (Paper 1 & 2), Kannada Language Test, Document Verification |
| Job Location | Karnataka (including Kalyana Karnataka region) |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea |
Karnataka KEA Horticulture Recruitment 2026 Notification
KEA has released two separate notifications to fill vacancies in the Horticulture Department’s Group-B cadre. The first notification (RPC) covers 80 vacancies open to candidates statewide, while the second notification (KK) covers 5 vacancies reserved exclusively for candidates belonging to the Kalyana Karnataka region under Article 371(J) of the Constitution.
Direct Link to Download Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026 Notification
RPC || KK
Important Dates
The important dates related to the recruitment must be checked carefully so that candidates do not miss any of the important dates, including the last date to apply online and the fee payment deadline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 4 August 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 5 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | 31 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To Be Announced |
| Written Examination | To Be Announced |
| Document Verification | After Written Exam |
KEA Karnataka Horticulture Vacancy 2026
The recruitment drive includes 85 vacancies spread across two posts and two separate notifications, as shown below.
| Post | RPC Notification (General) | KK Notification (Kalyana Karnataka) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Horticulture Officer | 75 | — | 75 |
| Assistant Horticulture Director | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 80 | 5 | 85 |
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How to Apply for Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026?
The steps to apply for Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026 are given below. Candidates can check it to apply easily on the official website.
- Go to the official website of KEA: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.
- On the homepage, find the link for Horticulture Department recruitment online application.
- Register using a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Login and complete the application form with personal and educational details.
- Upload the scanned photograph (JPEG, white background, 50KB–200KB) and signature (JPEG, 50KB–70KB).
- Pay the applicable fee online through the prescribed mode.
- Review all the details in the application form very carefully, as no correction is allowed after submission.
- Download and print the application form and fee receipt for future reference.
KEA Karnataka Horticulture Eligibility Criteria 2026
The eligibility criteria for the Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026 can be checked below, including educational qualification and age limit.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Assistant Horticulture Officer | Must be a Graduate in Horticulture from a University established by law in India and accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). |
| Assistant Horticulture Director | Must hold a Post Graduate Degree in Horticulture along with a B.Sc. in Horticulture from a University established by law in India and accredited by ICAR. |
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age for Direct Recruitment |
|---|---|
| General Merit Candidates | 40 Years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 43 Years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 | 45 Years |
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Karnataka Horticulture Selection Process 2026
The Karnataka Horticulture Selection Process is a multi-stage process. Candidates can check the selection criteria below to prepare effectively.
- Competitive Written Examination (Online CBT or Offline OMR-based)
- Kannada Language Test (qualifying in nature, with exemptions for eligible candidates)
- Document Verification
Application Fee
The application fee must be paid online only, through the prescribed payment gateway.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Merit & Categories 2A/2B/3A/3B | ₹750 (₹500 application fee + ₹250 processing fee) |
| SC/ST/Category-1/Ex-Servicemen/Third Gender | ₹500 (₹250 application fee + ₹250 processing fee) |
| Persons with Disabilities (Special-abled) | ₹250 (processing fee only) |
Karnataka Horticulture Salary 2026
Selected candidates will initially be appointed on probation for 2 years and placed under the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
| Post | Pay Scale (₹) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Horticulture Officer | 65,950–1650–74,200–1900–85,600–2300–99,400–2700–1,15,600–3100–1,24,900 |
| Assistant Horticulture Director | 69,250–1650–74,200–1900–85,600–2300–99,400–2700–1,15,600–3100–1,34,200 |
FAQs
Q. How many vacancies have been announced for the Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026?
A. A total of 85 vacancies have been announced — 80 under the general notification and 5 under the Kalyana Karnataka (Article 371(J)) notification.
Q. What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026?
A. The last date to apply online is 30th August 2026, and the fee payment deadline is 31st August 2026.
Q. What is the maximum age to apply for Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026?
A. The maximum age ranges from 40 years for general merit candidates up to 45 years for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates, subject to further relaxations for special categories.
Q. What is the selection process for Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026?
A. The selection process includes a competitive written examination, a qualifying Kannada language test (where applicable), and document verification.
Q. What is the educational qualification required for Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026?
A. Candidates need a Graduate degree in Horticulture (for Assistant Horticulture Officer) or a Post Graduate degree in Horticulture with B.Sc. in Horticulture (for Assistant Horticulture Director) from an ICAR-accredited university.
Q. Where can candidates apply for Karnataka Horticulture Recruitment 2026?
A. Candidates can apply online through the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.